Environmental Specialist

About the role

In this position, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that SpaceX's operations comply with environmental regulations. Your responsibilities will include managing hazardous materials, performing inspections, and collaborating with various regulatory agencies to ensure adherence to environmental standards. Your contributions will be vital in supporting SpaceX's mission by maintaining high environmental compliance.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations at both federal and state levels, including those from agencies such as AQMD, LACSD, CARB, RWQCB, DTSC, CERCLA, CUPA, DOT, and EPA.
• Safely manage the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste in accordance with HWCL guidelines.
• Regularly monitor hazardous waste levels in designated accumulation areas to ensure safety and compliance.
• Accurately classify new waste streams to determine their proper management and disposal methods.
• Guarantee that all hazardous waste is correctly labeled and stored based on its classification to prevent any regulatory violations.
• Maintain precise logs of hazardous waste inventory for a 90-day period to ensure proper tracking and compliance.
• Conduct inspections of hazardous waste and material storage areas as required by regulations.
• Collaborate with waste disposal contractors to arrange for timely waste shipments and ensure proper disposal.
• Consolidate and prepare waste for lab packing as necessary to facilitate safe disposal.
• Execute inspections and tasks related to CalEPA and SWRCB requirements, including SPCC, SWPPP, and EPCRA/CalARP.
• Work closely with EHS Technicians and Engineers to develop and manage environmental programs effectively.
• Respond to spills and coordinate cleanup efforts, either personally or by engaging third-party services.
• Order and maintain supplies for spill response, including pads, drums, and secondary containment systems.
• Conduct routine inspections of hazardous waste, universal waste, emergency eyewash/shower stations, SPCC, and SWPPP to ensure compliance and safety.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or an equivalent certification is required.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in implementing and managing environmental, health, and safety programs is essential.

Nice to have

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, particularly with a focus on environmental engineering, is preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in environmental and regulatory compliance within a manufacturing environment is advantageous.
• Familiarity with California's environmental regulations and compliance requirements is a plus.
• Experience in developing and managing air emissions permits under the South Coast AQMD is beneficial.
• Knowledge of permitting and maintaining industrial discharges through the Los Angeles County Sanitation District is desirable.
• Experience in creating and maintaining SWPPPs and site BMPs for RWQCB stormwater compliance is a plus.
• Familiarity with regulatory agencies such as AQMD, LACSD, RWQCB, EPA, CERCLA, RCRA, and DOT is a strong asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in interpreting and conveying technical data, are important.
• Proven ability to analyze, interpret, and apply regulations to create practical solutions is essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting with engineers, managers, and regulatory agencies is crucial.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under pressure, are necessary.
• Self-motivated individuals who can execute tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement are preferred.

Skills & tools

• Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance standards, including AQMD, LACSD, CARB, RWQCB, DTSC, CERCLA, CUPA, DOT, and EPA.
• Proficiency in hazardous waste management practices and regulations, including HWCL.
• Familiarity with CalEPA, SWRCB, SPCC, SWPPP, EPCRA, and CalARP regulations.
• Understanding of RCRA regulations and compliance requirements.

Practical notes

This role is based on-site in Hawthorne, CA, and candidates must be willing to relocate if they are not local. There may be occasional requirements for overtime and weekend work. Compensation for this position ranges from $33.00 to $39.00 per hour for Level I, $37.00 to $44.00 per hour for Level II, and $41.00 to $50.00 per hour for Level III, depending on experience and qualifications. The total compensation package may include long-term incentives such as stock options, cash awards, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits provided include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, and various employee discounts. Employees will accrue three weeks of paid vacation and receive at least ten paid holidays each year.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, or must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations to comply with ITAR regulations.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.